A Question for Neal, Re: Tiger

[sheltiecarver]

Neal,
I turned eagerly to your tiger pattern in the newest (#20) SSW, and I plan to attempt it. My first question about it is - what sort of wood? Obviously, I am not going to find one board 17" x 19" - did you glue up a blank? I looked at the picture pretty carefully, and I can't see any joint lines. I would think they would be somewhat visible (and distracting).
I had really been expecting you to tell us to use a good grade of plywood - like Baltic Birch - and that would be a lot more convenient.
Please forgive me if you already told us about it in the article - I read it several times, but sometimes I can miss something anyhow.
By the way - really cool pattern, and article. If this is what will be in the book, I'm hooked!
Sandy

[Neal Moore]

Yep!!! I glued up two pieces of 1/2 inch poplar for that one. You can use pine or soft maple also if you have access to that. Don't let the glue from the joint squeeze out onto the face of the wood when you clamp it or the joint will be visible. Sand the surface well also before attaching the pattern. I guess I didn't mention the type of wood or how to get the dimensions you need and I apologize for that. You're not the first inquiry I've had about that. Hope I can do a better job next time. Post a pic. of that bad boy when you finish it. I'd like to see someone elses interpretation of the pattern. Thanks for your kind comments!!

[Forester21]

hmmm... I really have to get a subscription mailed in... until then, I will have to check the grocery store each day until I can find a copy of the latest issue....
T

[Woodbutcher68]

You can subscribe online Forester!
No more excuses!

[sheltiecarver]

Neal,
Thanks for your reply. I will get some poplar at Home Depo my next trip to town. Theirs does not come in 1/2", so I will get 3/4" and hobble through. No thickness planers in this shop!
Please don't think that I was criticizing your article- it was great!! I know that the magazine can't give you the space to put in every little detail - that's a big reason I'm grateful for this board and the access it gives us right to the contributors.
I'm actually delighted with your project - the stuff needed is either pretty standard, like the good (FD) blades, or easily available. Makes the whole project do-able - if my cutting skills are up to it! (Maybe I'd better get enuf wood to do it several times, to allow for the learning curve.)
Thanks again.
Sandy
PS I don't have a digital camera, and I would not know how to post a pic if I did, but I'll take a "real" picture when (if?) I complete it, and I'll send you that - OK?

[sheltiecarver]

Theresa,
Subscribe!! You will not regret it. I find that at least half of the magazine each time it comes (a paltry 4 times a year - are you listening, Bob?) is devoted to stuff I want to try - and, while looking through the old ones, I find stuff I wasn't interested in back then, but I am now (although they may have morphed in storage - that seems to happen, too).
I hope you find a copy soon - I find around here that the few that appear in the stores are snapped up pronto.
Sandy

[Neal Moore]

Sandy....3/4 inch wood is fine for these portraits. I use 1/2 inch simply because it's easier to cut. Actually you can achieve more accented relief with 3/4 inch stock because you have more thickness to work with. Again, thanks for your kind comments and I'd be happy to receive a picture of the project from you!!

[Old Mooner]

Nobody asked me, but I agree with Neal that 3/4" wood works just as well. I have used it to do Neal's tiger and several other segmentation projects. I used 3/4" poplar from Lowe's (Home Depot has it too). It comes already "glued up" in widths to at least 20" for shelving and cabinet work (they also have clear pine which works well since you are going to stain it anyway). The cutting is easy if you make sure your blade is vertical and use a good blade. I use a #5 Olson PGT blade for the smoother cuts and a #3 milled blade for everything else. Since you don't need a perfectly smooth back on these projects, you really do not need the reverse tooth blades.

[Neal Moore]

Hey Moon.....I'd really like to see a picture of the tiger you did if you don't mind posting it. I've never seen anyone elses interpretation of one of my patterns.

[Old Mooner]

Neal--

I will try to post a picture as soon as I can. I'm just not camera-equipped (spent all my money on saws and wood) and technically proficient enough for it to be an easy thing. I need a digital camera, but have been putting it off hoping they would come down in price. Anybody got any suggestions as to a good one?

[GrayBeard Phil]

In reference to digital cameras:

While the topic of digital cameras could easily be a separate thread, I will respond with a suggestion my nephew gave me; I have paraphrased it as best as I can remember it:

"Go to any electronic store you choose, and try out the cameras being offered for sale. {The models being offered for sale change quickly and often.} Many of the cameras have small buttons with tiny print. These models are not designed for older people. A few models you may think requrie a sharp pencil in order to operate the buttons. 1st, choose a camera that you find comfortable to use. Then look at the 'Techno-Speak' details. Then wait for a sale on that model(s) you have selected."

Phil

[Old Mooner]

I agree. Let's make a new thread concerning digital cameras in the open forum area. I need the information and I am sure there are others who could use it.